Richard Swanson

Richard Kenneth Swanson (73) unexpectedly went home to sleep with the angels on November 10th, 2021 after a sudden cardiac arrest. When his generous heart of gold stopped beating, our hearts broke. He was truly one of a kind and adored by all who knew him. In his life, he was a man of high integrity, honest, patient, self-sacrificing, and compassionate. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather (poppy), brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Richard was born Sept. 9, 1948 in Rockford, IL. to Kenneth G. Swanson and Earlene (Knott) Swanson and younger brother to follow, Roger E. Swanson. Rich graduated from East High School class of 1966. He served his country honorably in the army overseas as a soldier and a military police officer from 1968-1970. He had a deep love for our country and was a proud patriot. He had a passion for music early in life, and became a talented lead guitarist and a well-established musician that played professionally throughout the area. One of his fondest musical memories was participating in Battle of the Bands, and going on summer tours. He also taught many guitar students, and inspired his family’s love of music and arts.
He married his high school sweetheart, prom-date, and the love of his life, Anita (Zammuto) Swanson in 1969. They had a beautiful 52 years together. As soulmates, they raised four loving children (Ryan, Joel “JJ”, Marissa, Angela). A dedicated father, he was devoted to enriching the lives of his children and grandchildren. His love for them was infinite and unconditional. He had a great admiration for his children and eight grandchildren who had a special bond with him. Rich loved to support them all in everything they did and was extremely proud of them all and their accomplishments. Rich and Anita shared a passionate love for the performing arts and together through the years they produced, directed, and performed in many regional theatrical productions. Among them were Rockford Civic Theater as president, Riverfront Theatre, Starlight Theatre and “The Happening” at Holy Family Church. Rich was proud to be involved in many charitable organizations in the local community such as holiday program co-director at Beliot Memorial Hospital, and St. Anthony’s Hospital. He was the president of the Elk’s Club and sponsored many community outreach fundraisers like Special Olympics. He was a natural leader, and fulfilled that role to perfection. He loved the Cubs and the Bears, golfing, close friends, good food, and spending quality time with his family. He had ongoing weekly couch dates to watch the games with his sons, and he adored his nearly daily visits with his daughters. He treasured that time together. He was also very blessed to have so many amazing life-long friends to cherish. Richard was an honest, dedicated hard-working ethical businessman. He loved his work, friends, and colleagues the Brauns family. He was a licensed insurance broker and consultant since 1974. He worked for New York life and in 1988, he joined Rockford Consulting & Brokerage Company as a Senior Consultant. Rich was an intregral part of the agency and an unrelenting advocate for his clients. His hard work and expertise earned him numerous awards including NYLIC Award and The Million Dollar Round Table. He would want only the best care to continue for his professional family, and friends.

Rich was a man of great character devoted to God and loved his family and friends. He was a humble man with a great sense of humor. His laughter, beautiful smile, and deep blue eyes filled every room. His eight grandchildren were often referred to as his life’s dessert. God saved the sweetest for last. We would have loved to see his bright light shine longer, but we are grateful for its steady glow leading our path for as long as it had. He encouraged us all to be kind and virtuous and his legacy will live on forever. Survived by: wife Anita Swanson
Sons Ryan (Judith) Swanson, Joel “JJ“ Swanson, daughters Marissa (Nicholas) Meyer, Angela (Daniel) Anderson, Grandchildren Merrick Meyer, Marley Meyer, Murphy Meyer, Avanna Swanson, August Swanson, Zanye Anderson, Tate Anderson, Dessa Anderson, brother Roger E. (Anita) Swanson, nephew Robert Swanson, niece Kassandra Swanson, nephew Jim Kwaitkowski, niece Shari Cash, brother-in-law‘s Peter (Paula) Zammuto, Sam (Connie) Zammuto, nephew Dr. Vincent (Diane) Zammuto, niece Andrea (Art) Friedl and numerous cousins. Predeceased by: Kenneth and Earlene Swanson, sister Bonnie Kwaitkowski, Grandson Briggs Anderson. A private family visitation will be held in Rich’s honor. There will be a public Celebration of Life Memorial at the University Club of Rockford located at 945 N Main St., Rockford IL. 61103, on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 from 11:00- 2:30. You may share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.